Story by Anashe Murombedzi, Sports Reporter
HARARE – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to investing in sport as a strategic pillar for national development and continental cooperation.
Represented by Minister of Defence, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), this Saturday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chairperson President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of sport in promoting unity, youth development, and regional integration.
“As the Chairman of SADC, it brings me great pride to welcome you to a platform that not only recognises athletic distinction, but also reinforces our commitment to unity, youth development, and regional integration through sport. Sport is more than competition; it is a powerful vehicle for promoting peace, economic empowerment, and social transformation.”
He paid special tribute to Dr Kirsty Coventry, the seven-time Olympic Gold Medalist and now the International Olympic Committee President.
“We gather not only to recognise the exceptional talent that resides within our borders but also to pay tribute to the dedication and commitment that our athletes demonstrate in their relentless pursuit of excellence,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also emphasised the importance of engaging youths through sport and recreation to prevent social ills such as drug and substance abuse.
“My government recognises the importance of actively engaging our youths, particularly through sport and recreation, for them to refrain from social ills such as drug and substance abuse. Society, therefore, has a moral obligation to create a conducive environment for nurturing our youth, moulding them into responsible citizens.”
The Government of Zimbabwe has prioritised sport, increasing investment in sport, recreation, and arts as key economic drivers aimed at stimulating the transformation of Zimbabwe into a “Prosperous and Upper Middle-Income Economy by 2030”.
The RASA awards ceremony recognised outstanding athletes and contributors to sport in the SADC region.
Mercy Chipasa from Zambia was crowned the Junior Female Sports Person of the Year for her impressive performances in football.
From Botswana; Collen Busang Kebinatship took home the Junior Male Sports Person of the year award, showcasing his exceptional talent in athletics.
In the disability categories, Simon Kruger was named Sports Woman of the Year with A Disability, while Mpumelelo Mhlongo won the Sportsman of the Year with A Disability Award.
The Botswana 4×400 Men’s Relay Team Athletics was named Team of the Year, demonstrating their dominance in the sport.
Kebonyemodise Dose Mosimanyane from Botswana was recognised as Coach of the Year, highlighting his expertise and dedication to developing young athletes.
Swimming was named Confederation of the Year, reflecting the sport’s growth and success in the region.
Zimbabwe was awarded the AUSC Region 5 Award, recognising the country’s contributions to sport development and excellence.
The event also showcased Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage through performances, art exhibitions, and local cuisine, embodying the spirit of unity, excellence, and hope that defines the SADC region.
